A 71-year-old man died after consuming bacteria on an oyster, Florida health officials confirmed Wednesday.The Florida resident consumed the oyster, tainted with Vibrio vulnificus, at a restaurant on June 8, two days before he died of a gastrointestinal illness, the Florida Department of Health told local media.Authorities have not released the name of the restaurant or the victim.Vibrio vulnificus is a naturally occurring bacteria that arises in warm, salty seawater. According to the Florida Department of Health, Vibrio vulnificus is "often mislabeled as flesh-eating bacteria," though it is "important to note" it does not in fact consume one's flesh.Infections are rare, though more common in those with compromised immune systems.Three people died and 16 were infected by Vibrio vulnificus in Florida this year, according to state statistics. In 2017, 11 people died after contracting it.

A 71-year-old man died after consuming bacteria on an oyster, Florida health officials confirmed Wednesday.

The Florida resident consumed the oyster, tainted with Vibrio vulnificus, at a restaurant on June 8, two days before he died of a gastrointestinal illness, the Florida Department of Health told local media.

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Authorities have not released the name of the restaurant or the victim.

Vibrio vulnificus is a naturally occurring bacteria that arises in warm, salty seawater.

According to the Florida Department of Health, Vibrio vulnificus is "often mislabeled as flesh-eating bacteria," though it is "important to note" it does not in fact consume one's flesh.

Infections are rare, though more common in those with compromised immune systems.

Three people died and 16 were infected by Vibrio vulnificus in Florida this year, according to state statistics. In 2017, 11 people died after contracting it.